EVENT PREVIEW: CAP EXPO
What visitors were saying after CAP Expo 2025 CAP Expo was genuinely one of the best events I’ve been to in the industry…. not just for what I learned, but for how it made me feel. “From the moment I arrived, there was a real sense of togetherness. The creativity was absolutely out of this world, but what stood out even more was how thoughtfully everything was planned. The layout, the flow of the event, the variety of people there it all felt intentional and inclusive. You could talk to so many different people, connect naturally, and feel part of something bigger.” Loretta Saunders, Perfectly Popped Balloons
Above: For Unique, the show remains a highlight of the year. Right: Gemar will be back at the event to showcase new colour ranges, inspiring themed designs and retail-ready solutions.
Returning to the 2026 show is Gemar. Mark Drury, Gemar UK director, comments: “We are proud to once again support the Celebration & Party Expo, a show unlike any other in our sector. Created specifically for our close-knit community, CAP Expo brings together the most concentrated gathering of decorators, retailers, wholesalers and creatives you’ll find anywhere. It’s personal, it’s focused and it captures the true spirit of our industry. “This year, we’re excited to showcase new colour ranges, inspiring themed designs and retail-ready solutions developed to support businesses of every size. You’ll also experience live stage demonstrations led by our talented balloon artists who bring innovation, technique and imagination to life. Their work is designed to spark fresh ideas and
What exhibitors were saying after CAP Expo 2025 CAP Expo was a really solid event – great energy, and it actually felt relevant to party retailers, which isn’t always the case with trade shows. The mix of customers was strong and there was a good buzz throughout. Compared to other shows, it felt more focused and worthwhile – definitely something we were glad to be part of. Jim Cairns, general manager, Unique UK. Would we recommend CAP Expo? Absolutely. If you’re in the celebration and party industry, it’s a no-brainer. It’s a chance to showcase your brand, meet incredible people and walk away with real opportunities. If it’s your first time exhibiting, go for it – you’ll get so much out of the experience.
show what’s possible with Gemar balloons and inspiration.” Also returning is Unique UK. Jennifer Wilson, head of creative marketing and product design, explains: “Following the excitement of the inaugural Celebration and Party Expo, Unique UK is looking forward to what’s in store for the 2026 edition. After a dynamic year for the celebrations sector, the event continues to offer the perfect platform to reconnect with long-standing partners and meet new faces, showcasing the strength and creativity of our industry community. “It is certainly a platform where meaningful conversations spark fresh ideas and long-term relationships begin. With everything in the celebrations
sector under one roof, CAP Expo makes it easy to see the full spectrum of innovation, talent and energy that our sector has to offer, making it simple for customers and exhibitors alike. “For Unique, the show remains a highlight of the year, and we’re excited to continue to see the event grow even further in 2026.” Industry association NABAS is also returning. Claire Carney, cochair, says: “NABAS is delighted to be attending Cap Expo 2026. After a fabulous event in 2025 where we literally had people queueing to talk to us, we’ll have a bigger stand to show you what NABAS does and how we can support you and your business. “We’ll be sharing details of our special member training day in May along with PIE40 (our 40th anniversary celebration event which is open to the entire industry) in 2027, plus lots of other initiatives too.” CAP Expo is free to attend for visitors, who can register at www.capexpo.co.uk/ pre-registration. The app will be available for download when it is released. Follow @celebration.partyexpo on Instagram. Inset: The show was a ‘huge success’ for UK Helium in 2025.
Wendy Monforte, Dream Balloon Events
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 PROGRESSIVE PARTY EUROPE
40-41_CAP Expo.indd 2
41
14/01/2026 16:15